Faulty wiring and malfunctioning appliances are a major cause of many house fires. However, you can employ preventive measures to stay clear of any risks.
If you suspect any electrical issues in your home, you have to be keen on the key tell-tale signs. While some symptoms may seem less alarming, it is important to reach out to a reputable residential electrician.
Below are three things that point to a faulty electrical system in your home.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
Typically, your light fixtures shouldn't use much power. So, if you notice any flickering or dimming, the problem probably goes beyond the lighting itself. Instead, the issue may be caused by energy-sapping appliances connected to the same circuit.
The dimmer switch might also be to blame because some models were meant to power incandescent bulbs and not modern LEDs. Also, the ratings of your dimmer switch and your bulb should match. Incompatible ratings may lead to poor lighting.
Thankfully, you can always try new smart bulbs. Smart bulbs work without the complicated physical dimmers, which may solve the problem. But if they don't, call in a residential electrician to check whether or not the circuit can power all the appliances in your house.
Funny Odors and Sparking
New electrical appliances often have a certain smell the first time you use them. But if you notice funny smells from electrical outlets, you may have a problem with your electrical system. Sparking is another issue where you have to rely on your senses. If your fuse box or sockets produce sparks, especially when you power an appliance, contact an electrician immediately.
If you notice either of these two issues, ensure you prioritize your safety first. Turn off anything that is powered and unplug them from their outlets. Even seemingly small problems can lead to bigger ones, so don't use these appliances again until a professional electrician diagnoses the issue.
Frequently Tripping Breakers
The most common issue that causes your fuse to trip is overloading. When you have too many energy hogs, the circuit handles a larger electric load than it should. This makes the internal sensing mechanism on your fuse to heat up. The circuit then breaks after the spring-loaded part in the fuse trips.
A short circuit is a much more serious problem. Short circuits happen when an electric current flows through the wrong path with minimum electrical resistance. For example, a short circuit may occur if a hot wire touched a ground wire, the case of your metal fuse box, or the bond wire.
But remember, your wiring might have nothing to do with a short circuit at all. A faulty electric device can also cause problems. That's why you should consult with a residential electrician for a more professional diagnosis.
Share7 January 2022
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